Hi, all! I promised to style up the blue basque skirt and see how it works for me. Here are some semi-styled options. I say semi-styled because I didn't really deal with hose, accessories beyond footwear, etc.

Dee hit the nail on the head when she said this skirt seemed a bit outside my usual style persona. That is true -- the fullness makes it come across as more feminine. But of course, even a garçonne wants to look like a girl sometimes. For dressy events, say.

1-3 First I'm trying it with my very old J. Crew peplum jacquard top. I love this top and it forms a key element of my dressy capsule. I think this works as a two piece dress. Different footwear options available.

4. Tried it with my oversized denim jacket.

5. A tucked in shirt. Could do with a plain white shirt for a more classic look.

6. With my slim cropped denim jacket.

7-8 With oxfords and my new Everlane shirt. It feels very 20s!

9-10 With knotted tee and denim.

11-12 Could be an at home winter holiday look.

13 - 16. With my Sandwich knit military jacket.

17. With a sequin camisole under denim.

Bonus photo bomber at the end....

I have plenty of other footwear options -- tall boots, stompy boots, sneakers, sandals of various kinds.

You can probably see in the close ups that the fabric is rather like taffeta. It has a stiffness and heft to it. I would not wear it casually in summer at all, though I might in cooler months.

I was inclined to send it back before trying it on these ways, but I'm inclined to keep it now. It is very comfortable. It is cross-seasonal (spring, fall, winter, with possible evening summer wear). It can be worn at various levels of dressiness. It will not wrinkle (so it could travel, though it's a bit bulky and heavy.) It works with many things in the closet.

What think you? Keep or Return?

NOTE: If I keep, I am going to retire two older skirts.